Metal core fiberoptic connector plug for single fiber and multiple fiber coupling

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices for the transmission of light through the adjoining ends of two fiberoptic cables, and more particularly to connectors adapted to connect an end of a fiberoptic cable to another fiberoptic cable or to a LED or to a laser.

What I claim is: 
     
       1. A fiberoptic connector plug that is attachable to the end of a fiberoptic cable for the optical connection of at least one optical fiber within the fiberoptic cable to another light source such as another optical fiber, a light emitting diode and a laser, comprising: a connector body being substantially cylindrical in shape;   a thermally conductive core member being substantially cylindrical in shape and being fixedly engaged within said connector body;   said core member having a cylindrical bore axially formed therewithin, said bore having an open rearward end and a forward end that terminates in a cone shaped cavity;   a forwardly disposed portion of said core member being exposed through said connector body to form an exposed connection plateau;   an optical fiber bore being formed through said connection plateau and terminating in said apex of said cone shaped cavity.   
     
     
       2. A fiberoptic connector plug as described in claim 1 wherein said core member is electrically conductive. 
     
     
       3. A fiberoptic connector plug as described in claim 1 wherein said core member is formed with an engagement means for fixedly engaging said core member with said connector body. 
     
     
       4. A fiberoptic connector plug as described in claim 3 wherein said engagement means includes at least one ridge element projecting from said core member into said connector body. 
     
     
       5. A fiberoptic connector plug as described in claim 4 wherein said core member is composed of an electrically conductive metal. 
     
     
       6. A fiberoptic connector plug as described in claim 5 wherein at least one groove is formed in said connector body, the depth of said groove being sufficient to expose the surface of said core member. 
     
     
       7. A fiberoptic connector plug that is attachable to the end of a fiberoptic cable for the optical connection of at least one optical fiber within the fiberoptic cable to another light source such as another optical fiber, a light emitting diode and a laser, comprising: a connector body being substantially cylindrical in shape;   a thermally conductive core member being substantially cylindrical in shape and being fixedly engaged within said connector body;   said core member having a cylindrical bore axially formed therewithin, for holding at least one optical fiber within said bore; an enlarged portion of said bore being formed with a diameter that is substantially larger than the diameter of said at least one optical fiber, such that a substantial air gap surrounds said at least one optical fiber disposed within said enlarged portion of said bore.   
     
     
       8. A fiberoptic connector plug as described in claim 7 wherein said at least one optical fiber that is disposed within said bore is held within a tubular member, and a substantial air gap surrounds said tubular member within said enlarged portion of said bore. 
     
     
       9. A fiberoptic connector plug as described in claim 8 wherein a connection means is disposed within said bore to hold said at least one optical fiber in a centrally disposed position within said enlarged portion of said bore. 
     
     
       10. A fiberoptic connector plug as described in claim 9 wherein said connection means includes a sleeve member being circumferentially engaged to the outer surface of said tubular member and disposed within said enlarged portion of said bore, whereby said tubular member and said at least one optical fiber are held in a centrally positioned orientation within said enlarged portion of said bore. 
     
     
       11. A fiberoptic connector plug as described in claim 10 wherein said cylindrical core member is formed with a first end and a second end, said first end being positioned to receive said at least one optical fiber into said bore formed therein, and said second end being disposed proximate an output end of said at least one optical fiber; and wherein said enlarged portion of said bore is positioned proximate said second end of said core member.   
     
     
       12. A fiberoptic connector plug as described in claim 7 wherein a connection means is disposed within said enlarged portion of said bore to hold said at least one optical fiber in a centrally disposed position within said enlarged portion of said bore. 
     
     
       13. A fiberoptic connector plug as described in claim 12 wherein said cylindrical core member is formed with a first end and a second end, said first end being positioned to receive said at least one optical fiber into said bore formed therein, and said second end being disposed proximate an output end of said at least one optical fiber; and wherein said enlarged portion of said bore is positioned proximate said second end of said core member.   
     
     
       14. A fiberoptic connector plug as described in claim 7 wherein said cylindrical core member is formed with a first end and a second end, said first end being positioned to receive said at least one optical fiber into said bore formed therein, and said second end being disposed proximate an output end of said at least one optical fiber; and wherein said enlarged portion of said bore is positioned proximate said second end of said core member.